Current Session: November 2024
Beginning Dog Training Classes
The Beginner obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to the general public. The normal progression through the classes is Puppy (if age appropriate), Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, Beginner 2, CGC.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
AKC STAR Puppy / Thursdays @ 10:30AM & Thursdays @ 6:15pm- FULL
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Thursdays @ 6:15pm
Instructor Marian Szebenyi; Assistant Pauline Helfenstein 8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts October 31 |
Thursdays @ 10:30am
Instructor Stephanie Vonderlein 8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts October 31 |
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies 3-6 months of age. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
- Basic manners
- Attention,
- Leash walking
- Handling/grooming
- Sit
- Down
Requirements:
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is necessary.
- Puppies must be 3-6 months of age at the start of the session.
- Puppies must have age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- If students want the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification, they will need to pass the evaluation and attend at least 6 of the classes.
Beginner 1 / Wednesdays @ 5:00pm - FULL
Instructor Claire Yager; Assistant Marlene Barken
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 30
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 30
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
- Attention
- Sit
- Down
- Loose leash walking
- Recall
- Wait at a door
- Stay
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is required.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
Beyond Beginner 1 / Thursdays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructor Jo Ann Molnar-Kieffer; Assistant Marian Szebenyi
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
October 21
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
October 21
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
- Attention/focus
- Wait/ stay
- Recall
- Loose leash walking
- Being calm and comfortable around other dogs and people
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
Beginner 2 / Not Offered this session
Instructor TBD
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts January Session
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts January Session
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
Beyond beginner 2: Shaping! / Mondays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructor Lisa D'Annibale; Assistant Denise Moore
8 teams; 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts October 28
**No dogs week 1, handlers only!**
Due to rescheduling from the September session, this class is already full. Sorry!
In this class, students will take their training to the next level by learning to teach new behaviors through shaping. Students will continue to practice skills such as loose leash walking, stay, place, and sit for exam, while playing games to improve attention, communication, and response to commands. Students will leave this class ready for CGC class and beyond.
Shaping involves breaking down a complex behavior into simple steps using a specific word or noise to mark a correct answer. The dog is rewarded at each step, which encourages them to repeat the behavior and offer new behaviors. Shaping is a useful tool to teach new, complex behaviors, improve connection and communication between dog and handler, and help dogs feel successful and enjoy learning.
Clickers will be provided to students in this class.
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts October 28
**No dogs week 1, handlers only!**
Due to rescheduling from the September session, this class is already full. Sorry!
In this class, students will take their training to the next level by learning to teach new behaviors through shaping. Students will continue to practice skills such as loose leash walking, stay, place, and sit for exam, while playing games to improve attention, communication, and response to commands. Students will leave this class ready for CGC class and beyond.
Shaping involves breaking down a complex behavior into simple steps using a specific word or noise to mark a correct answer. The dog is rewarded at each step, which encourages them to repeat the behavior and offer new behaviors. Shaping is a useful tool to teach new, complex behaviors, improve connection and communication between dog and handler, and help dogs feel successful and enjoy learning.
Clickers will be provided to students in this class.
Requirements:
- Dogs must be working at at least a Beginner 2 level.
- It’s helpful if dogs are food motivated, but all teams entering with an open mind ready to play with their dogs will be successful!
Intermediate Classes Open to Members & Non-Members
These classes are open to both members and non-members. Non-members must have successfully completed Beginner Classes through at least Beginner 2 with IDTC.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the registrar listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the registrar listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Canine good citizen / tuesdays @ 6:15
Instructor: Rue Chagoll
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 29
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 29
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
Fit dog 1 & Sport Prep / tuesdays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructor: Becky Robinson, Assistant: Lynne Wilkes
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 29: no class on nights there are IDTC meetings
The AKC FIT DOG Level One course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. This class is for any dog that will go on to compete in any sport. Teams will work on foundational skills, practice impulse control and focusing while around other dogs. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Bronze Title.
Skills
Nose Touch / Chin Rest
Tuck Sit
Front Paw Targeting
Offer a Paw
Kick Back Stand
Spin Left/Right
Fold Back Down
Caveletti Poles / Grid Jumping
Pivot /Rear Legs
Ring Etiquette
Distracted recalls
Agility Contact End Behavior
For Members or Non-Members
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 29: no class on nights there are IDTC meetings
The AKC FIT DOG Level One course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. This class is for any dog that will go on to compete in any sport. Teams will work on foundational skills, practice impulse control and focusing while around other dogs. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Bronze Title.
Skills
Nose Touch / Chin Rest
Tuck Sit
Front Paw Targeting
Offer a Paw
Kick Back Stand
Spin Left/Right
Fold Back Down
Caveletti Poles / Grid Jumping
Pivot /Rear Legs
Ring Etiquette
Distracted recalls
Agility Contact End Behavior
For Members or Non-Members
Requirements:
- Non-members must have completed Beginner 2 and/or CGC class with IDTC. Member dogs must be working at a comparable level.
- Dogs should understand the training game and be able to focus on tasks during a group class.
- Owners should understand lure-reward based training methods, though capturing, and shaping as training concepts will also be used in class.
- This class is only for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions.
- Dogs will be crated during class and some time will be devoted to reinforcing positive and calm crate behaviors.
Advanced Obedience Classes
The Advanced Obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to members only. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the registrar listed below. If you want to inquire about drop-in availability, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Novice Obedience & Open foundations / Tuesdays @ 7:30pm
Instructor: Lisa Mitchell
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 29
Teams in this class will practice building the skills needed to earn their CD title in Novice AKC Obedience. and start working on Open foundational skills. Exercises include heeling, recall, stays, and stand for exam.
Requirements: Dogs must be working at a level that the dog can be off leash safely to start off-leash heeling and practice recalls
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 29
Teams in this class will practice building the skills needed to earn their CD title in Novice AKC Obedience. and start working on Open foundational skills. Exercises include heeling, recall, stays, and stand for exam.
Requirements: Dogs must be working at a level that the dog can be off leash safely to start off-leash heeling and practice recalls
Agility Classes
Agility classes are open to club members. Classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall unless noted below. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty. If you want to inquire about drop-in availability, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
agility 2 / sundays @ 12:30pm
Instructor: Tammy Osmeloski
6 teams; 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts October 27
This class is limited to those who are in the September session Agility 1 class with Tammy.
6 teams; 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts October 27
This class is limited to those who are in the September session Agility 1 class with Tammy.
Intermediate Agility: troubleshooting / Mondays @ 6:30pm - FULL
Instructor: Abby Christman
6 teams; 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts October 28
Is your dog skipping jumps? Still struggling with the teeter? Lost your start line stay? Has tunnel sucking become a problem? Is your dog blowing their contacts?
This class will help troubleshoot common issues for intermediate+ teams. This class is not for dogs new to agility or as an introduction to equipment or handling. The activities and skills addressed will vary based on student interest and need. Prior to the class start date, the instructor will ask students to provide 1-3 problem areas that they would like to improve during the session.
Class set up and logistics:
Class requirements:
6 teams; 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts October 28
Is your dog skipping jumps? Still struggling with the teeter? Lost your start line stay? Has tunnel sucking become a problem? Is your dog blowing their contacts?
This class will help troubleshoot common issues for intermediate+ teams. This class is not for dogs new to agility or as an introduction to equipment or handling. The activities and skills addressed will vary based on student interest and need. Prior to the class start date, the instructor will ask students to provide 1-3 problem areas that they would like to improve during the session.
Class set up and logistics:
- Students will be expected to help set up and clean up equipment, and this time is included in the 1.5 hour class time. Students may arrive up to 15 minutes early to settle their dogs and start setting up to allow more class time for working dogs.
- Dogs will be quietly crated when it is not their turn in the ring.
- Dogs must enter and exit the ring leashed and under control. While working on the equipment, dogs should wear only a flat buckle collar (additional seresto collar is ok). If the handler demonstrates appropriate control of the dog, the dog may run naked (handlers must keep their clothes on).
- There will be 1-3 exercises set up each week. Each team will get (at least) 2 turns in the ring each class. Students may choose which exercise to work on each turn, and may try everything or focus on improving one skill. To get more time working, dogs may work two at a time separated by low ring gating if the exercises allow.
Class requirements:
- Students should have one or two specific skills, problems, or challenges they need help improving.
- Teams should have agility skills equivalent to two sessions of introductory agility. Skills needed are IDTC Agility 1-2 Goals (starts halfway down page 2 here).
- Students should understand the methods and handling system they learned in introductory agility and be able to explain where their team is in the learning progression.
- This class will be off-leash in a secure environment and dogs need to be under control at all times, including if another dog is working at the same time (separated by low ring gating). Excessive barking, running at gates, and other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
- Dogs need to be quietly crated when handlers are learning and when other dogs are running.
Foundational Agility: Jumping Skills / Wednesdays @ 6:15pM
Instructor: Sue Yanoff
1 hour, 6 teams
Starts October 30
Most agility courses are made up of jumps. Good jumping skills are needed in order to perform the handling moves (e.g. front cross, rear cross, blind cross, post turn) that you need to run a course. This class will start with the basic requirement of commitment to the jump. We will progress to jump grids, then short sequences, then handling moves.
No prior agility class is required. Your dog must have completed at least CGC. Basic obedience skills (walking on a leash, off leash recall, sit-stay) are required. Your dog should be able to work around other dogs without getting over-excited and losing focus.
Your dog does not need to be crated for this class, but must be able to wait quietly for their turn, while other dogs are running.
Students will be required to help set up and take down the jumps.
1 hour, 6 teams
Starts October 30
Most agility courses are made up of jumps. Good jumping skills are needed in order to perform the handling moves (e.g. front cross, rear cross, blind cross, post turn) that you need to run a course. This class will start with the basic requirement of commitment to the jump. We will progress to jump grids, then short sequences, then handling moves.
No prior agility class is required. Your dog must have completed at least CGC. Basic obedience skills (walking on a leash, off leash recall, sit-stay) are required. Your dog should be able to work around other dogs without getting over-excited and losing focus.
Your dog does not need to be crated for this class, but must be able to wait quietly for their turn, while other dogs are running.
Students will be required to help set up and take down the jumps.
Other Classes, Workshops & Seminars
Sometimes IDTC offers classes for members that don't fit in one of the above categories. Check here for offerings that may include nosework, happy ratters, parkour, fit dog, and more!
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Group Class Prep for Dogs with Big Feelings / Fridays @ 5:30pm
Instructors: Jean Bonasera and Martha Goelzer
4 teams; 1hour; 7 weeks
The primary goal of the class is to give dogs an opportunity to habituate to the IDTC training space in a non-stressful way so that they will be comfortable in a group class situation and able to focus on and easily reorient to their handlers in the training space. More generally, the class is designed to strengthen a dog's ability to stay attuned to his or her handler while working on leash around other dogs. We aim to always keep the dogs in the class under threshold and only gradually introduce the presence of other dogs, beginning with neutral dogs.
We will focus on exercises from Suzanne Clothier’s “Skills for Reactive Dogs” and Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed”. The first class will be a handlers only class, then for each of the 4 weeks following we will work with 2 of the four teams in the class, alternating pairs. During each of those weeks new exercises will be introduced. The other handlers will observe and help with feedback of the working teams and may also have a chance to practice the mechanics of new skills with one of our neutral dogs. On the 6th and 7th week, we will orchestrate having the 4 dog/handler teams together in the space and use distance and gating to help keep dogs under threshold as we work through skills together.
We will not be working with dogs that are aggressive to dogs or people. Dogs should be comfortable in a crate for 15 minutes at a time. Please contact Jean ([email protected]) and Martha ([email protected]) if you have questions or are interested in participating.
4 teams; 1hour; 7 weeks
The primary goal of the class is to give dogs an opportunity to habituate to the IDTC training space in a non-stressful way so that they will be comfortable in a group class situation and able to focus on and easily reorient to their handlers in the training space. More generally, the class is designed to strengthen a dog's ability to stay attuned to his or her handler while working on leash around other dogs. We aim to always keep the dogs in the class under threshold and only gradually introduce the presence of other dogs, beginning with neutral dogs.
We will focus on exercises from Suzanne Clothier’s “Skills for Reactive Dogs” and Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed”. The first class will be a handlers only class, then for each of the 4 weeks following we will work with 2 of the four teams in the class, alternating pairs. During each of those weeks new exercises will be introduced. The other handlers will observe and help with feedback of the working teams and may also have a chance to practice the mechanics of new skills with one of our neutral dogs. On the 6th and 7th week, we will orchestrate having the 4 dog/handler teams together in the space and use distance and gating to help keep dogs under threshold as we work through skills together.
We will not be working with dogs that are aggressive to dogs or people. Dogs should be comfortable in a crate for 15 minutes at a time. Please contact Jean ([email protected]) and Martha ([email protected]) if you have questions or are interested in participating.
IDTC Talent Show / November 9 @ 10am
Organizers: Aimee Schulz and Sabrina Schimmelfing
Saturday, November 9 from 10AM to noon
We are thrilled to invite you and your talented pups to participate in our upcoming IDTC Dog Talent Show on Saturday, November 9th, from 10am to 12pm at the mall space! This event will showcase all the fun, silly, skilled, or unusual talents your dog(s) have. Whether your dog has mastered impressive tricks or just enjoys showing off their quirky talents, we would love for you to join us!
In addition to the talent showcase, we’ll also be celebrating and bidding farewell to club member Aimee Schulz as she completes her PhD and moves back to Minnesota. Let’s make this event a wonderful celebration for both our talented dogs and for Aimee!
Event Open to the Public:
We encourage you to invite friends, family, and anyone interested in joining IDTC. This is a great opportunity for them to see what our community is all about! (Only IDTC members can bring a dog)
Important Details:
Saturday, November 9 from 10AM to noon
We are thrilled to invite you and your talented pups to participate in our upcoming IDTC Dog Talent Show on Saturday, November 9th, from 10am to 12pm at the mall space! This event will showcase all the fun, silly, skilled, or unusual talents your dog(s) have. Whether your dog has mastered impressive tricks or just enjoys showing off their quirky talents, we would love for you to join us!
In addition to the talent showcase, we’ll also be celebrating and bidding farewell to club member Aimee Schulz as she completes her PhD and moves back to Minnesota. Let’s make this event a wonderful celebration for both our talented dogs and for Aimee!
Event Open to the Public:
We encourage you to invite friends, family, and anyone interested in joining IDTC. This is a great opportunity for them to see what our community is all about! (Only IDTC members can bring a dog)
Important Details:
- Sign-up deadline: November 1st
- Sign-up link: Talent Show Signup Sheet
- Each dog will have 2-5 minutes to showcase their talent. Need more time? Just ask!
- All dogs must be crated when not performing.
- IDTC equipment can be used as props and will be set up for you. Feel free to bring your own props but please keep setup time to a minimum.
- The show schedule will be organized based on prop usage.
- Not interested in performing? You can also sign up to bring snacks! There’s a spot for that on the signup sheet as well.
- Only IDTC members may bring a dog
Please note that IDTC is unable to accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes. If you are concerned that your dog is aggressive or reactive to people or other dogs, please ask your vet for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist.